Difference Between A Proof Set and A Mint Set

Posted by slang on January 9, 2009

A proof set consists of a set of specially manufactured specimen coins of brilliance finish, high relief and exquisite details.

A mint set is an uncirculated set of coins issued annually by the Mint.

Incidentally, we also have such “frosted” proof coin or set which have a brilliant, mirror-like field with contrasting dull or “frosted” design and lettering. The frosting results from the difficulty of polishing the deeper recesses of the proof dies to the same degree as the more accessible areas. Frosted proofs were issued prior to 1936 and today are the frequent result of the first 15-20 strikes of a new proof die; the effect disappearing when the dies are routinely repolished.